Some fast-food icons are measured in decades of service, and A&W’s hand-battered chicken tenders and frosty mugs have been setting that standard since 1919. If you are looking for the current A&W Restaurant Menu with Prices, you have come to the right place. This guide breaks down every category, from the classic Papa Burger to the iconic Root Beer Float, so you know exactly what to expect before you pull up to the drive-thru.
Prices can shift slightly based on your location and whether you are ordering at a company store or a franchise. However, the figures below represent the national average and standard pricing tiers. We have updated this data for the current year, so you can plan your meal without any surprises.
A&W Restaurant Menu With Prices
Let’s get right into the full breakdown. We have organized this by food type, making it easy to compare the cost of a quick snack versus a full family meal. Remember that combo meals usually include a side of fries and a medium drink, which offers better value than buying items separately.
Burgers And Sandwiches
The burger lineup is the heart of A&W. You will find the famous Papa Burger, which features two beef patties and a secret sauce, alongside the simpler Teen Burger. Here are the standard prices for single items.
- Papa Burger – $6.29
- Papa Burger Combo – $8.99
- Teen Burger – $5.49
- Teen Burger Combo – $8.19
- Mama Burger – $4.79
- Bacon Cheeseburger – $5.99
- Original Bacon Cheeseburger – $6.49
- Double Bacon Cheeseburger – $7.29
- Classic Cheeseburger – $4.49
- Hamburger – $3.99
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich – $5.79
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich – $5.99
Build Your Own Burger
If you want to customize, you can add extra patties or toppings for a small fee. Adding cheese costs about $0.60, while an extra beef patty will run you $2.00. Bacon is usually $1.50 per add-on.
Chicken Tenders And Strips
A&W prides itself on chicken that is hand-battered and pressure cooked to order. This means the wait is slightly longer, but the crunch is worth it. You can order these as a standalone basket or as part of a larger family pack.
- 3 Piece Chicken Tenders – $5.49
- 3 Piece Chicken Tenders Combo – $8.49
- 5 Piece Chicken Tenders – $7.99
- 5 Piece Chicken Tenders Combo – $10.99
- 8 Piece Chicken Tenders – $11.49
- 12 Piece Chicken Tenders – $15.99
- Chicken Tender Wrap – $5.79
Signature Root Beer And Drinks
You cannot visit A&W without trying the draft root beer, served in that famous frosted glass mug. The mug makes a difference—it keeps the drink colder and fizzier. Here is what you will pay for the beverages.
- Root Beer Float (Regular) – $3.79
- Root Beer Float (Large) – $4.29
- Draft Root Beer (Small) – $2.49
- Draft Root Beer (Medium) – $2.79
- Draft Root Beer (Large) – $3.19
- Polar Swirl (Various Flavors) – $3.99
- Soft Drinks (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite) – $2.29
- Iced Tea – $2.49
- Lemonade – $2.79
Polar Swirls And Shakes
The Polar Swirl is a blended treat that mixes soft serve with candy or cookie pieces. They are thicker than a shake and come with a spoon. Popular options include the Reeses Pieces and the Oreo.
- Oreo Polar Swirl – $3.99
- Reeses Polar Swirl – $4.19
- Vanilla Shake – $3.49
- Chocolate Shake – $3.49
- Strawberry Shake – $3.49
Sides And Snacks
Fries are the go-to side, but A&W also offers onion rings and cheese curds in many locations. These prices are for a la carte orders. If you are feeding a group, the family fry bucket is a better deal.
- Small Fries – $2.29
- Medium Fries – $2.79
- Large Fries – $3.29
- Onion Rings (Small) – $2.99
- Onion Rings (Large) – $4.29
- Cheese Curds – $4.49
- Chili Cheese Fries – $4.99
- Gravy (Side Cup) – $0.99
Desserts And Sweet Treats
Beyond the floats, the dessert menu features classic soft serve and seasonal pies. The soft serve is notably creamy and pairs well with the root beer if you want to make your own float at the table.
- Soft Serve Cone – $1.99
- Soft Serve Sundae – $2.99
- Apple Turnover – $2.49
- Chocolate Chip Cookie – $1.49
Breakfast Menu And Pricing
Many A&W locations serve breakfast until 10:30 or 11:00 AM. The breakfast menu is smaller than the lunch menu but includes some hearty options like the Sausage and Egg Biscuit. If you are an early bird, here is what to look for.
- Bacon and Egg Biscuit – $3.99
- Sausage and Egg Biscuit – $3.99
- Ham and Egg Biscuit – $4.29
- Breakfast Bowl – $5.49
- Hash Brown (Small) – $1.79
- Hash Brown (Large) – $2.49
Note that breakfast hours vary by franchise. Some drive-thrus stop serving breakfast at 10:30 sharp, while others extend it to noon on weekends. It is always wise to call ahead if you have a specific craving for a biscuit.
Value Menu And Deals
If you are on a budget, the value menu is where you want to focus. These items are priced to be accessible, and they rotate seasonally. The most consistent value item is the classic Junior Burger, which often appears on the 2 for $5 or 2 for $6 deal.
- Junior Burger – $2.49
- Small Root Beer – $1.99 (during happy hour)
- Value Fries – $1.79
- Chicken Tender (Single) – $1.99
Happy Hour Deals
Most A&W restaurants have a daily happy hour from 2 PM to 5 PM. During this window, you can get a medium or large root beer for a reduced price. The discount is usually around 50 cents to a dollar off the regular price. This is the best time to grab a frosty mug without breaking the bank.
Family Meals And Buckets
Feeding a family of four or more? The bucket meals are designed for sharing. They include a large quantity of chicken tenders, several large sides, and a pitcher of root beer in some locations. The pricing here is the most cost-effective if you calculate per-person cost.
- Family Tender Bucket (8 pc) with 2 Large Sides – $19.99
- Family Tender Bucket (12 pc) with 3 Large Sides – $27.99
- Bucket of Fries (Serves 4-6) – $6.99
- Pitcher of Root Beer – $5.99
These buckets are often available as a “meal deal” that includes a 2-liter bottle of root beer instead of the pitcher. The price difference is minimal, but the pitcher is served ice-cold in the restaurant, which is the better experience.
Nutritional Information And Allergens
Before you order, you should be aware of the calorie counts. The Papa Burger combo with a large root beer can easily exceed 1,200 calories. If you are tracking macros or sodium, the nutritional data is available on the official A&W website. Here are a few quick facts.
- The Classic Papa Burger has approximately 620 calories.
- A 3-piece chicken tender basket has around 540 calories before dipping sauce.
- The Root Beer Float has 380 calories and 48g of sugar.
- Most fried sides contain gluten and are cooked in shared oil.
If you have a peanut allergy, be cautious with the Polar Swirls, as some contain peanut butter or are processed in facilities that handle peanuts. Always inform the cashier of your allergy when ordering.
How To Order To Save Money
There are a few strategies to get the best price on your meal. First, always check the app. A&W frequently sends out digital coupons for free fries or a discounted Papa Burger. Second, order a combo instead of a la carte. The difference between a single burger and a combo is usually only $2.50, which gets you a drink and fries that would cost $5.00 separately.
Third, consider the “Mug Club” if you visit frequently. Some locations offer a refillable mug program where you pay a flat fee for a glass and then get discounted refills for a year. This is a niche program, but it saves heavy root beer drinkers a significant amount of cash.
Regional Price Differences
It is important to note that the prices we have listed are averages. In states like California or New York, you might see prices that are 10-15% higher. Conversely, in the Midwest, where A&W has a strong presence, prices tend to be slightly lower. Airport locations and travel plazas will also have inflated prices due to the convenience factor.
You can use the A&W store locator on their website to find the specific phone number of your local restaurant. Calling them directly is the only way to get the exact menu pricing for your zip code, as franchise owners have some control over their local pricing structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does A&W still have the 99 cent root beer float?
No, the 99 cent float day is a promotional event that happens once a year, usually in August to celebrate National Root Beer Float Day. The regular price for a float is between $3.79 and $4.29 depending on size.
What is the difference between a Papa Burger and a Teen Burger?
The Papa Burger has two beef patties, while the Teen Burger has a single patty. The Papa Burger also includes an extra slice of cheese and more of the signature sauce. The Teen Burger is smaller and lighter on the wallet.
Are the chicken tenders at A&W real chicken?
Yes, the tenders are made from whole chicken breast meat. They are hand-battered in the restaurant and pressure cooked. They are not processed nuggets or reformed meat pieces.
Can I order A&W delivery?
Yes, most locations partner with Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. However, delivery prices are usually 20-30% higher than in-store prices. The app also charges a service fee, so dining in or using the drive-thru is cheaper.
Does A&W have a secret menu?
There is no official secret menu, but you can ask for a “Papa Burger with a fried egg” or add cheese curds to your burger. Most locations will accommodate customizations if they have the ingredients available.
Final Thoughts On Pricing
When you compare the A&W Restaurant Menu with Prices to other burger chains, you will find that A&W sits in the mid-to-upper range. They charge a slight premium for the quality of the beef and the fact that the chicken is cooked fresh. The root beer is the star of the show, and the frosty mug experience is something that competitors like McDonald’s or Burger King simply cannot replicate.
To get the most value, stick to the combo meals and take advantage of the happy hour root beer deals. If you are feeding a family, the bucket meals are the clear winner. And if you are just stopping by for a treat, the soft serve cone is the cheapest way to get your sugar fix.
Keep in mind that the menu is subject to change. A&W occasionally introduces limited-time offers like the Spicy Chicken Sandwich or seasonal shakes. These items are usually priced slightly higher than the core menu items. Always check the digital menu board at the drive-thru for the most up-to-date pricing before you order.
We hope this guide helps you navigate your next visit. Whether you are there for the crispy chicken tenders or the frothy root beer, you now have a clear picture of what the meal will cost. Go ahead and treat yourself—you know you want that float.